Homemade styrofoam incubator, heating issues

[pocketegg]

I’ve made a homemade incubator from a styrofoam cooler and a lightbulb. I’m having issues finding the right temp. First I used a heat bulb — too hot at 111 degrees Fahrenheit. Then an LED bulb, which was too cold at 90 degrees. Then a 45 watt regular bulb which was too hot at 105 degrees, too cold when I cracked the lid of the container.
I’m trying the LED bulb again. While it’s taking forever to warm up, it IS warming. I just think it might not get warm enough. Is there something extra I can do? I’m getting frustrated, I’ve worked on this for hours now and still can’t find a good balance. Thanks!

 

[MGG]

I’ve made a homemade incubator from a styrofoam cooler and a lightbulb. I’m having issues finding the right temp. First I used a heat bulb — too hot at 111 degrees Fahrenheit. Then an LED bulb, which was too cold at 90 degrees. Then a 45 watt regular bulb which was too hot at 105 degrees, too cold when I cracked the lid of the container.
I’m trying the LED bulb again. While it’s taking forever to warm up, it IS warming. I just think it might not get warm enough. Is there something extra I can do? I’m getting frustrated, I’ve worked on this for hours now and still can’t find a good balance. Thanks!

You could maybe try 2 bulbs, (the cooler ones) and see if you can get a good temp that way. Its also a good safety measure in case on would happen to go out overnight or something.

 

[Southoman]

I’ve made a homemade incubator from a styrofoam cooler and a lightbulb. I’m having issues finding the right temp. First I used a heat bulb — too hot at 111 degrees Fahrenheit. Then an LED bulb, which was too cold at 90 degrees. Then a 45 watt regular bulb which was too hot at 105 degrees, too cold when I cracked the lid of the container.
I’m trying the LED bulb again. While it’s taking forever to warm up, it IS warming. I just think it might not get warm enough. Is there something extra I can do? I’m getting frustrated, I’ve worked on this for hours now and still can’t find a good balance. Thanks!

Try a 25 watt fluorescent bulb

 

[Swiss]

I've read that a having dimmer switch helps. Then, you can turn down the bulbs that are too warm.

 

[Kiraeh]

A dimmer switch is incredibly helpful, and either way you need some system to raise or lower the temperature if you have cool or hot weather unless you have access to a steady, climate controlled room.
I had a lot of success with a sheepskin over the top of my incubator, and I could adjust the temperature by moving it partway off. Especially if you have a viewing window on top, you may be losing a lot of heat through that- I certainly was. As long as it isn't covering the ventilation holes on the sides. A small folded blanket would work well too. Don't throw it over the whole thing, just cover the top.